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The South Canterbury team were among Stonewood Homes' many winners at the Regional House of the Year 2017 awards

With 23 medals at the Registered Master Builders 2017 House of the Year Awards, Stonewood Homes is clearly among the country’s best home builders. Great design paired with excellent craftsmanship resulted in the impressive haul, which included four category and six gold awards.

‘Stonewood Homes has long been one of New Zealand’s largest residential builders, renowned for their quality designs and building efficiencies,’ says Mike Allan, the company’s Franchise Relationship Manager. ‘Now, as housing demand increases, we are looking to become New Zealand’s largest volume home builder by 2020. That means big opportunities for experienced business people, entrepreneurs or anyone wanting to supercharge their construction business by joining the Stonewood Homes network.

‘You’ll have a dedicated and well-resourced franchisor support team helping you to get started quickly so that you can achieve your business goals more quickly than you would going it alone; a dedicated support team; proven systems and processes; massive buying power; and ongoing marketing. You can also leverage off the vast knowledge and experience of other franchisees, some of whom have been with Stonewood for many years.’

One of those franchisees is Stonewood Homes South Canterbury, which was a top performer in the House of the Year Awards. In addition to winning the Category and Gold Award for GIB Showhome of the Year, it also won three silver awards: Placemakers Volume/Group Housing - $450-$700k, Placemakers Volume/Group Housing – up to $450k, and Resene New Home up to $450k.

Chris Karton, a director of the franchisee company, says, ‘Stonewood Homes South Canterbury has more than tripled the number of homes built in its seven years in business. While building new homes can be seen to be a challenging industry, it is simplified by the great costing, drafting and accounting systems that Stonewood has to offer. It is my pleasure to recommend Stonewood Homes New Zealand as a franchisor.’

Stonewood commenced as a home building business in 1987. In March 2016, Inno Capital Limited purchased the national franchise operation of Stonewood Homes. Inno is one of a number of successful companies owned by CGML, a company operated by property magnate directors John and Michael Chow.

The Chow brothers have a proven track record, having built a $400 million portfolio of commercial property in Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua in just 18 years, with approximately 250 employees working for the group between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The Chows have extensive experience financing and managing complex restructures.

The result of the House of the Year Awards proves that, ‘Stonewood Homes continues to produce innovative, quality homes,’ says John Chow. ‘We offer our customers a unique product that can match any lifestyle, budget or aesthetic. The Stonewood Homes team work tirelessly to deliver these outstanding homes.’

The fact that nine different Stonewood Homes franchisees were recognised at the Awards reflects the way that the company’s designs epitomise the Kiwi way of life. Franchisees have a base of more than a hundred contemporary and modern designs, which can be tailored for individual customers.

Brent Stewart, Managing Director of Stonewood Homes Nelson, which won both a gold and silver Award, says, ‘To win these awards is particularly satisfying as it demonstrates our brand’s dedication to quality. The Gold, Silver and Bronze awards indicate that they are 80, 65 & 50 percent, respectively, above the industry standards. It gives our clients the confidence that Stonewood Homes Nelson is a cut above the rest!’

Of course, having great designs is one thing, but building great houses – and managing a successful business in a competitive industry – is another. Stonewood Homes is therefore justifiably proud of its network of high-achieving franchisees and the Stonewood Homes operating systems that enable new franchisees to get up to speed and produce outstanding results so quickly.

‘Integrated software and systems make costing, drafting and customer relationship management a seamless process,’ explains Mike Allan. ‘Unique procurement and supply chain arrangements keep overall construction prices in check. We have just launched a robust website which, along with TV advertising, regular national promotions and assistance with local marketing, helps franchisees to continue generating leads so they can focus on sales, construction projects and overall expansion.’

Stonewood Homes still has franchise opportunities available in some of the fastest-growing parts of the country. ‘There’s a shortage of good housing in New Zealand and our expertise in volume home building means a big opportunity for franchisees,’ says Mike.

‘If you’re business-savvy, client focused and have industry experience or the right commercial acumen, we want to hear from you. For a minimal investment, a Stonewood Homes franchise provides you with all the opportunity you need to build a thriving residential building business.